Research Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

Since August 25, 2017, an estimated 722,000 refugees have fled violence and human rights abuses in Myanmar, seeking shelter in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar District. The rapid influx of refugees into districts which already face significant levels of poverty and environmental fragility has put immense strain on infrastructure, the local economy, and contributed to a rise in tensions in the region.

Many Bangladeshi host communities remain nearly as poor and open to exploitation as the refugees themselves. The scale and visibility of the international response (though still insufficient) has led to widespread perceptions of unfair or preferential treatment for Rohingya refugees. The prospect of inter-communal tensions, recently between Rohingya themselves, or along the complex religious and ethnic lines which further divide both groups, could have catastrophic implications, including for women and children caught in the middle.

The COVID-19 has increased social tensions due to the immense spread of rumors and fake news in Bangladesh including the Rohingya camps. The treatment and process have impact-ed broadly on people’s skills, knowledge, attitude and behavior throughout the country. It also has multiple levels of behaviour change based on the types of people, employment status, living conditions, and economic independence. Finally, besides the changes in the cultural and religious norms, unemployment and instability due to the virus situation may lead to violence, riots and social tensions based on who can and cannot follow such changes within the shortest possible time to limit the rapid spread of the virus.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is now looking to hire a National Consultant-Research Assistant who can help 'Partnerships for a Tolerant, Inclusive Bangladesh' (PTIB) project to research and map the emerging social tensions ensued by COVID-19 in Bangladesh in general and specifically in Cox’s Bazar. This Research Assistant will collect and analyse qualitative data, and provide support in reporting and publication. The researcher will undertake research looking at trends and developments in Cox’s Bazar and will author two Political Economic Analysis on these topics.

This would be pertinent to the PTIB’s existing research facility i.e. Cox’s Bazar Research and Analysis Unit (CARU), which will identify existing and evolving narratives in the country regarding the COVID-19. The National Consultant-Research Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Technical Specialist in Cox’s Bazar and report to the PTIB Project Manager in Dhaka, and will coordinate with other sectors as required.

Under the direct supervision of the Technical Specialist: Research and Survey Analysis, the National UN Volunteer will undertake the following, but not limited to, tasks:

1. Collect data regarding rumour and intolerance in Cox’s Bazar
2. Analyse qualitative data to understanding the existing and evolving narrative of the Rohingya crisis and around vulnerable groups.
3. Identify sources and dynamics of rumours, violence and social intolerance in connection to social movements within Cox’s Bazar District.
4. Assist in drafting draft weekly and monthly reports of CARU.
5. Any other research-related tasks, as requested by the management

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Creativity • Integrity • Judgement and Decision-making • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Self-Management • Working in Teams

especially working with qualitative data collection, analysis and reporting in the development or humanitarian context.

• Expertise in drafting and report writing in English. • Experience related to social tensions/intolerance/violence mapping is an advantage • Experience of working for the UN or any other international organisation an advantage • Experience of working in or on the Rohingya response • Fluency in English and Bangla is required. Understanding or knowledge of the Rohingya language and or the Chittagonian dialect an advantage. • Skilled in collecting and analysing qualitative data • Skilled in MS office package and data analysis software; • Expertise in drafting and report writing

Cox's Bazar is a district of Bangladesh and it is famous for fishing port and tourism. It is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Bangladesh. The beach in Cox's Bazar is an unbroken 120 km (75 miles) sandy sea beach with a gentle slope, making it the second longest sea beach in the world. The climate of Cox's bazar is similar to the rest of the country. The climate of Bangladesh is generally determined by its location in the tropical monsoon region: high temperature, heavy rainfall, generally excessive humidity, and distinct seasonal variations. It is further characterized by the location in the coastal area. Historically Cox’s Bazar, like other parts of Bangladesh, is a safe place to live. Since August 2017, with the large scale Rohingya influx from Myanmar, Cox’s Bazar is seen as a district with a humanitarian crisis. Culturally Cox’s Bazar is very diverse and well-known for its traditional heritage. The communications systems in Cox’s Bazar is well developed and the district is well-connected with other cities. All the national mobile networks are operational in Cox’s Bazar. Walking within Cox’s Bazar city is only allowed during day time. Travel by rickshaw is also permitted within Cox’s Bazar only during day time. Cox’s Bazar has a domestic airport and is currently classified as a family duty station (Security Level 3-moderate; Hardship category-D).